Salah steers Egypt past Hakimi’s Morocco into Afcon semis

Sports Desk, Jan 30 (EFE).- Mohamed Salah on Sunday scored one goal and assisted on the second leading Egypt to rally from a one-goal deficit to defeat Morocco 2-1 in the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals.

Morocco took the lead in the seventh minute on a penalty kick after Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi was fouled inside the area. Sofiane Boufal delivered from the 12-yard spot.

Liverpool’s talisman led Egypt’s comeback, striking from close range as he followed up a header from Mohamed Abdelmoneim that was stopped by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 53rd minute.

Morocco had a close chance to regain the lead, but a header from Stade Rennais’ Nayef Aguerd was nicely saved by Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal into the crossbar.

Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim, better known as Trezeguet, sealed the Egyptian comeback 10 minutes into extra time as the Aston Villa midfielder tapped in from a close range, capitalizing on a low cross by Salah after a run down the right side.

The seven-time Afcon champions will next take on host Cameroon, who defeated Gambia 2-0.

EFE ta-bp